Playing the guessing game: Who will win the MVC

Stroudsburg has the makings of a dominant defense, and, yes, Pocono Mountain East has perhaps the Mountain Valley Conference's most talented quarterback, but determining who is going to win the conference this year is anyone's guess.

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Posted Aug. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Posted Aug. 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

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I really can't recall a more wide-open season since I started working at the Pocono Record in the fall of 2005.

Sure, Stroudsburg has the makings of a dominant defense, and, yes, Pocono Mountain East has perhaps the Mountain Valley Conference's most talented quarterback, but I just can't figure out who is going to win the conference this year.

I can say with some certainty that Allen and Dieruff, the MVC's newest teams, won't win it and Lehighton probably won't either, but other than that I see everyone else having a chance.

Pocono Mountain West is going to need a big year from quarterback Jeff Krisiak, a four-year starter, but he has a bunch of receivers and backs to work with. For the Panthers to succeed, their offense line will have to grow up in a hurry and the defense needs to become more consistent.

East Stroudsburg North lost record-setting back Joe Clouse, but Chuck Dailey always seems to have someone with loads of talent to give the ball to in his veer offense. If the Timberwolves can keep the ball off the ground and slow teams down defensively, they'll have a shot.

East Stroudsburg South suffered through one of its toughest seasons in ages with a 3-9 record in 2011. Not much went right for the Cavaliers, but quarterback Tyler McLaughlin grew up and played well. Look for small, yet powerful, running back Niko Petrone to open some eyes. When I was over at South last week, veteran coach Ed Christian was preaching discipline. If the Cavs have it, look out.

I really like Pocono East, but I like them just about every year. You won't find a more energetic coach than Phil Dorn and he has some weapons to put around quarterback Evan Fardella. The big question in Swiftwater is: can Fardella stay on the field? His broken collarbone in the season opener last year was a huge blow to the Cardinals. He made it back for the Bucket Game against Pleasant Valley, but he got hurt in that game, too. If Fardella can fight the injury bug, this could be a very interesting year for PM East.

It's hard not to be impressed with what Jim Terwilliger has done at Pleasant Valley. In three years with the Bears, Terwilliger is 23-18 and led PV to a shared MVC championship in 2010. Brandon Leap returns after playing well at quarterback in the final five games of the season. The Bears lost record-setting back Rob Getz, but Terwilliger was excited about some of his young backs and receivers. Having a standout middle linebacker like Dakota Everett sure helps things on defense, too.

Stroudsburg, the defending MVC champs, should have the best defense in the conference and one of the best in District 11. With Rutgers-bound tackle Sebastian Joseph, end Blaine Woodson and linebacker Philip Stokes, the Mounties have three impact players in their front seven. The big question is, how in the world can they replace quarterback Robert Bennie? Simple, they can't. No team could, but you don't try and replace a player like Bennie, who beat teams with his arm and legs last season. Don't forget about the losses of Andrew Brome and Ben Kloepping, a tough-nosed back and sure-handed receiver.

So, who is it going to be?

I think Eastburg North and ES South have a chance, but a lot will have to go right for them. One of them has to beat Stroudsburg head-to-head, no easy task.

I'm curious to see how Terwilliger uses Leap now that he doesn't have Getz to fall back on to get the tough yards in crunch time. Watch out for Everett, who doubles as a tight end, to make plays on offense.

When healthy, Fardella is dynamic. He has a cannon for a right arm and might just be the fastest player in the MVC. That said, I'm concerned about him taking big hits.

Stroudsburg's defense is going to stout, and the Mounties will need it while they find their identity on offense. The offensive and defensive lines should be good, another plus for Stroudsburg. Jordon Ellison is an outstanding kicker, too.

I'm going with the Mounties because they should win with defense and the kicking game every week.